Our daughter Jessica decided she wanted to take my wife and me to Oregon. Sounded great until she mentioned that on day-2 we would be challenged with a 10-mile hike to see Trail of 10 Falls Oregon. I usually walk 2 miles a day, but my wife Sheri had stopped walking with me the previous weeks as she had been having a knee issue. Visions of me carrying her out of the forest on my back were starting to make me think this trip could be a very bad idea. After much discussion and preparation, we decided to make the trip. I had only been to Oregon previously to John Day, which is a small town on the eastern side of the state. The walking sticks we brought for Sheri, even though they were broken down to 6 pieces, were confiscated at Burbank Airport, as they could not be taken onboard. Jessica’s iPhone stand was allowed on even though it was bigger and three times heavier. Figure that!
We flew in from Burbank to Eugene Airport, and our first stop on Jessica’s Itinerary was Jazzy Ladies Cafe (SV), located at 560 Oak Street in Eugene. Not only do they server great latte, but they are also a 100% gluten-free restaurant! For breakfast we ordered the Chicken and Waffles which combines Belgian waffles, crispy chicken tenders, maple bacon crumbles, and maple bacon syrup. It was good. The chicken was tender, and the gluten-free waffles were excellent. We enjoyed our time there especially the lattes and were now ready to make the long drive to our Airbnb in Salem.
Along the way, Jessica had planned for us to visit two unique wineries for some wine tasting. The first one was Coria Estates Winery (SV), located at 8252 Redstone Ave SE, Salem. Coria Estates is the only Mexican American family-owned vineyard in Oregon. It had a Mexican theme including food and aesthetics. This was the only day on our trip that was supposed to have rain which would be perfect for our sunny hiking days. We would now have more water for the waterfalls we visit. It was raining at Coria vineyard, but it added to its charm. We sat down at a table indoors for some wine tasting with Madison as our host. Coria Winery offers Mexican-style finger foods to have along with an array of sampled white and red wines. Their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were its standouts.
The second winery was Bjornson, which is located at 3635 Bethel Heights Rd NW, Salem. Its owner’s fascination was imagined when Pattie first met Mark at the University of Minnesota. Pattie asked, “What do you want to be doing in 20 years?” Mark contemplated a moment before answering, “Long-term, I want to live in the country, plant an orchard and garden, and raise a big family.” Pattie was shocked. Most people in business school during the 1980’s had long-term goals of running a Fortune-500 company, not running a family farm. She responded with humor, “Wow! Look me up when you want to get married.”
Bjornson winery has a European feel, and since the rain had stopped, we contemplated sitting outside which overlooks one side of this beautiful vineyard. We opted inside as it was still a little chilly. Their sampler wines were all good, but their reserve Pinot Noir was delicate and exceptional. Our host Alexis brought out some Seasoned Filberts (wine soaked hazelnuts, dusted with sugar and spices). If you ever had that seasonal spiced candle smell that you just wished you could eat, the Seasoned Filberts are incarnation of that feeling.
Alexis also mentioned that Bjornson winery was one of the only vineyards that carried the new Gouais Blanc grape which was created at UC Davis’ Foundation Plant Services. The Gouais had a unique aroma and palate which hinted more like a deeper Sauvignon Blanc.
While this vine is still maturing it was amazing to find something so different in the wine vertical. Gouais Blanc could be something you will be seeing a lot more in the future. That alone is worth the trip to Bjornson Winery.
The Airbnb that we chose was located in Salem named: BEAUCHAMP BUNGALOW, 381 E Marion Street
There is a plaque in the front lawn that reads:
Born in 1879 Clarence Beauchamp was the 2nd of 5 children. He grew up near Salem and went to Willamette University and became a pharmacist. His younger brother also became a pharmacist, and his two other brothers became doctors. Clarence moved to Stayton in 1905 and opened Stayton Pharmacy; his brother Dr. Harry soon followed and became one of the most beloved town doctors. Clarence married Louise Sommers, of Scio, in 1908. They built this bungalow just a couple of blocks from the pharmacy where they both worked. Louise became a pharmacist in 1928. The Beauchamps loved dancing, music, and learning. Being childless, they both belonged to various organizations and entertained countless times. Doctors, veterinarians, medicine suppliers, speakers, and musicians were often overnight visitors. Clarence and Louise lived here until they passed away in 1946 and 1963, respectively. “This sweet bungalow has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, a large living room, two porches and large basement.
Beauchamp Bungalow was one of the best Airbnb I’ve stayed at. Everything was modern, climate controlled and well lit. It made for the perfect basecamp for our hiking journey.
Trail of 10 Falls
All Trails LinkThe main hike on our bucket list was the Trail of 10 Falls located in Silver Falls State Park (SV) Even though I always bring a satellite beacon with me, Jessica used the All Trails app which gives you exact map location of everything from your smartphone.
At Trail of 10 Falls, there are literally 10 waterfalls that span a distance of 9 miles, which took around 6 hours for the three of us to navigate. Almost anyone can walk this trail, and we saw many older hikers along the way. The trail has spectacular views of each waterfall which are easy to navigate around. Most of the pathways don’t have much incline except for a few areas scaling small hills of 500 feet or so. Many of the trails are well labeled but like any hike, it is important to schedule your time as you don’t want to get stuck after dark. We started fairly early in the day as we knew the hike could take 5 or more hours, which would include stopping to take photos while enjoying the waterfalls.
One of the great features of this trail is that you can walk behind many of the falls on this trail. Try to wear waterproof comfortable sneakers. Some areas behind the falls can get a little flooded and no one wants wet feet on a hike.
Silver Falls State Park has served as a filming location for several movies:
Twilight (2008): The park was used for scenes featuring Bella and Edward, including sequences where they are seen flying through the trees and where Edward chases and catches a deer.
The Hunted (2003): Directed by William Friedkin, this thriller features scenes shot within the park’s dense forests.
Just Before Dawn (1981): This horror film was shot entirely on location in Silver Falls State Park.
Terwilliger Hot Springs
After the long hike the day before, our bodies needed a natural jacuzzi. Jessica had Terwilliger Hot Springs in mind some 2 hours from our basecamp. The hot springs is located in the Willamette National Forest. As you make your way along the quarter-mile trail leading to this clothing-optional hot spring, you’re surrounded by the deep greens of ancient forest, where dappled sunlight filters through the towering canopy above. The air carries the fresh, earthy scent of the woods, and as you approach, the tranquil lagoon comes into view, fed by the breathtaking cascade of Rider Creek Falls.
The hot springs feature four soaking pools, each separated by natural rock formations and arranged in a series of steps descending into the ravine. Water temperatures range from a soothing 85°F in the lower pool to a steamy 112°F at the top. The pools vary in size, spanning between 3 to 12 feet across, with depths averaging 2 to 3 feet. While the pool floors are primarily smooth bedrock, some areas contain patches of gravel, sand, and natural debris, adding to the rustic charm of this serene retreat.
Above the pools, there is a changing area to get into your bathing suit, or not. We started out in the top 112-degree hot pool. It took a little bit of time to get totally into the hot water but once in, the mineral water had a medicinal effect on our achy bodies. The park service flushes out these pools once a week on Thursday.
Proxy Falls
From Terwilliger Hot Springs we headed to Proxy Falls where there is an upper and lower falls from the same water source. Proxy Falls, located in the Willamette National Forest of Oregon, is a stunning waterfall known for its picturesque, multi-tiered cascade over a moss-covered basalt cliff. With a total drop of about 226 feet (69 meters), it is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. The falls are accessed via a scenic 1.6-mile loop trail through old-growth forest, offering a relatively easy hike with breathtaking views. The trail starts out rocky, but the rest of the walk to the falls is magical. Proxy Falls is a seasonal waterfall, most vibrant in spring and early summer when snowmelt feeds its flow. I suggest you see both the upper and lower falls as they are peaceful, awesome, and quite different than the free-falling waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park.
Sahalie and Koosah Falls
Moving on from Proxy Falls, we headed to Sahalie and Koosah Falls which are two stunning waterfalls located along the McKenzie River in the Willamette National Forest. Sahalie Falls is a powerful 100-foot (30-meter) waterfall that plunges over a basalt ledge, creating a misty, dramatic scene. The name “Sahalie” comes from the Chinook word for “high” or “heaven.”
Koosah Falls is located downstream and features a 70-foot (21-meter) drop into a deep blue pool. “Koosah” means “sky” in the Chinook language. Both waterfalls are an easy hike along a scenic 2.6-mile loop trail through lush old-growth forest. There is parking just off McKenzie Highway and the Sahalie waterfall is just 50 yards from the parking area.
The proximity to the road of Sahalie Falls and the fairly short walk along the river to Koosah Falls made this hike one of the more relaxing and enjoyable hikes on our trip. In the video below there is a view from the top of Sahalie Falls. The secret to getting there is a hidden trail to the right of the main trail entrance-on the east side of the parking lot. With a little bit of climbing, you are right next to the mouth of the waterfall.
As we wrapped up our final day exploring Oregon’s breathtaking waterfalls, I realized the past three days had turned into an unforgettable experience filled with incredible sights, delicious food, and special moments. This trip reminded me that sometimes, stepping outside of our comfort zones leads to the most rewarding experiences. With Jessica planning the itinerary, and Sheri and me enjoying the trails while working together as a team, we were all making great memories together, I realized that the true highlight of our journey wasn’t just the hiking, wineries or waterfalls—it was sharing the adventure as a family.
Our next hike is in a few weeks as we adventure to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.
